MAHA KUMBH MELA 2010 HARIDWAR Kumbh Mela Is the Largest Religious Congregation in the World

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MAHA KUMBH MELA 2010 HARIDWAR Kumbh Mela is the largest religious congregation in the world. According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. The next Maha Kumbh will be held in the northern Indian town of Haridwar on the banks of river Ganges. Millions of Hindus will have their ritual cleansing bath on eleven auspicious days from January till April 2010.

The origin of the Kumbh dates back to the time when Amrita Kalasha (pot of nectar of immortality) was recovered from Samudramanthan (during the churning of the primordial sea), for which a tense war between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) ensued. To prevent the Amrita Kalasha being forcibly taken into possession by Asuras, who were more powerful than Devtas, its safety was entrusted to the Devtas Brahaspati, Surya, Chandra and Shani. The four Devtas ran away with the Amrita Kalasha to hide it from the Asuras. Learning the conspiracy of Devtas, Asuras turned ferocious and chased the 4 Devtas running with Amrita Kalasha. The chase, lasted 12 days and nights during which the Devtas and Asuras went round the earth and during this chase, Devtas put Amrita Kalasha at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. To commemorate this holy event of the Amrita Kalasha being put at 4 places, Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years.

Haridwar or “Gateway to God”, the holy city lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. Legend goes that when lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, she extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. The holy Ganges traverses the Himalayas from its source at Gaumukh to enter the Indo Gangetic Plain of North India for the first time at Haridwar,

Important bathing dates at Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela

14 January 2010 (Thursday) - Makar Sankranti Snan - First Snan (bath) 15 January 2010 (Friday) - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) - Second Snan 20 January 2010 (Wed) - Basant Panchmi Snan - Third snan 30 January 2010 (Saturday) - Magh Purnima Snan - Fourth Snan 12 February 2010 (Friday) - Maha Shivratri - Pratham Shahi Snan - First Royal Bath 15 March 2010 (Monday) - Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi snan - Second Royal Bath 16 March 2010(Tuesday) - Navsamvatarambh Snan 24 March 2010 (Wednesday) - Ram Navmi - Fifth Snan 30 March 2010 (Tuesday) - Chaitra purnima snan 14 April 2010 (Wednesday) - Baisakhi - Pramukh Shahi Sanan 28 April 2010 (Wednesday) - Shakh Purnima - snan Recommended bathing dates

Go India Journeys is pleased to announce the setting up of an exclusive Tented Camp away from the crowded part of the town in a quite farm by name “Thar Camp Maha Kumbh” for our overseas partners and their guest for the entire period of Maha Kumbh Mela from January till April 2010.

“Thar Camp Maha Kumbh” Tented Camp is absolutely untouched by any ostentatious show of the comfort. It presents an array of nicely and simply decorated standard and deluxe tents that epitomize elements of comfort very well. In these tents all the essential and enviable modern amenities are appointed to help guests enjoy their Kumbh Mela at affordable prices. The amenities comprise of one hundred tents with roughly 70 tents in standard category and 30 tents in deluxe category.

Standard Tents - 70 numbers

- Accommodation in spacious all weather proof non air - conditioned tents of overall size 28 feet x 14 feet sub divided in to: a. Verandah or sit out 14 feet x 7 fee b. Main bedroom 14 feet x 14 feet c. Bathroom 14 feet x 7 feet - Attached bath and toilets with running Hot & Cold water and basic toiletries - Tent floor will be covered by synthetic coir matting, beds with necessary linen, basic furniture like a centre table and chairs, a baggage rack - Heating in all tents provided by electric heaters

Deluxe Tents - 30 numbers - Accommodation in spacious all weather proof air - conditioned tents of overall size 28 feet x 14 feet sub divided in to: d. Verandah or sit out 14 feet x 7 fee e. Main bedroom 14 feet x 14 feet r. Bathroom 14 feet x 7 feet - Attached bath and toilets with cubicle showers, running hot & cold water and basic Toiletries - Tent floors in all three segments covered with a six inch wooden flooring, beds with Necessary linen, basic Furniture like a centre table and chairs and baggage rack - Heating in all tents provided by electric heaters General Amenities

 Multi cuisine pure vegetarian dining facilities offering Indian and international (continental, Chinese) cuisine in a separate large air-conditioned dinning tent.  First aid at camp with oxygen cylinders  Escorted walk and visits to nearby areas  STD / ISD calling facilities at the camps  Well structured activity at the campsites to take care of everyday A - Aarti B - Religious discourses on Bhagwat Gita- the holy book of Hindus C - Yoga lessons D - Meditation  A media and utilities center  Escorted walks to various events during Maha Kumbh 201  Safety Vault at reception for valuables  Minimum 3 nights stay recommended to enjoy the fair fully out of which a half day jeep safari to nearby Rajaji national Park (Elephant reserve) and half day excursion to Rishikesh.  The exact location of the camp shall be notified shortly. However, it may be noted that the walk involved to the bathing Ghats will be of about 2.5 km or 25-30 minutes

Note:- Only Vegetarian Meals and soft beverages will be served to guests (Non vegetarian meals and alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted)

For Rates and programmes on Maha Kumbh Mela 2010 - Haridwar contact the Go India office in the USA: Deepak Singh at de e p a k . s i n g h @ g o in d i a . c o . i n or +1-508-358-4267."